School is out and summer is upon us. Mainstream
exams have come to an end. Parents will be asking
the age-old question of, “So what will it be, doctor,
lawyer, engineer?” No one gets asked the question,
“Hey son, do you want to take up football as a
career?” Perhaps the dignity of labour that comes
with it isn’t as much as other professions. Perhaps
the pay cheque in India isn’t as high as it would
be abroad. However, recent developments prove
that you no longer have to ply your trade in India.
Opportunities are there for the taking if you can
prove yourself worthy.
One such claim to fame arose over the course
of the weekend when local lad Romeo Fernandes
from Assolna made his thoroughly successful
debut for his new club, Atletico Paranaense as
they thrashed their opponents, Nacional. The
22-year-old player joined the Brazilian club after
impressing all concerned in the inaugural edition of
the Indian Super League with FC Goa. Footballers
with immense talent have often shied away from
following this potential because they have feared
they may not be able to justify it as a ‘proper’ career.
Charlton Vaz, a young player from Fatorda
who has represented Salcete, Dempo, Salgaocar,
Curtorim Gymkhana ad Deccan Rovers, Pune shares
his views on the same, saying, “Romeo has put
India on the world map when it comes to football.
He has made the world aware that this country can
produce talented players. I honestly hope that he
performs well, because it will make people sit up and
take notice of our talent, and provide the required
opportunities for our youngsters.”
This now begs the question of parents, as to
whether they will now be ‘okay’ if their children
were to consider the sport as a viable career option
with prospects, or whether it will continue to be
looked at as something that is not praiseworthy.
